I believe in a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care in which the patient, health care professionals and support personnel work together for the efficient and optimal care of the patient. In this way each member maximizes their skills. In the end, the patient is better off.

1994-1997 The University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Eugene Chang, MD.
Role of heat shock protein 72 in maintaining cellular architecture and function during thermal and oxidant injury
Regulation of intestinal sodium-hydrogen exchange in an animal model of short gut syndrome

PRESENTATIONS
“The Role of Robotics and Other New Surgical Techniques in the Treatment of Colon and Rectal Cancer” West Coast Colorectal Cancer Symposium, Seattle, WA 2011

Most people know that colorectal screening is on the “to do” list when they reach 50 years of age, barring any high risk concern for where screening would begin earlier. Screening saves lives and prevents many colon cancers. With the increase in public awareness and availability of colonoscopy screening, the rates of colon and rectal cancers have been declining and survival rates increasing for people between the ages of 50 and 74. This is great news for our mature population, but a recent study indicates a concerning trend of increased risk of colorectal cancer in young people, ranging from ages 20 to 34 and 35-49 year olds.

Bowel incontinence is a socially disruptive condition. People living with incontinence often plan their daily activities around bowel movements. In some instances, fecal incontinence leads to people being homebound, fearing an accident in public. Fecal incontinence affects nearly 18% of the population. In addition, nearly 50% of people living in nursing homes are affected (ASCRS, 2011).

What Is The Cause of Fecal Incontinence?
There can be several causes of fecal incontinence. The most common reason is damage to the anal muscle, or nerves with childbirth.

Incontinence is more common in women, but men are also affected. As women age and their tissues begin to weaken, episodes of incontinence can become problematic.

I recently appeared in a series of videos where I discuss robotic colectomy. A colectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the large intestine. Colectomy is also referred to as "colon resection." Robotic colectomy is a type of minimally invasive surgery to remove all or part of the large intestine. It is done to treat serious colorectal conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis and blockages caused by scar tissue. You can learn more about robotic colectomy and its advantages by watching the videos. Click here to see the playlist or watch below:

The Swedish Colon and Rectal Clinic successfully treated its first two patients with Medtronic’s InterStim neuromodulation device for fecal incontinence. Both patients have already been seen in follow up with an amazing and immediate improvement. One patient in particular was previously afraid to leave the house and had daily leakage. She is thrilled with the positive outcome. Since placement of the first-stage device four days ago, she has had no leakage.

The technology involves placing a permanent generator attached to electrical wires, which are positioned near sacral nerves in the lower back. The procedure requires two stages. First the wires are placed and attached to a temporary, external test generator. Once the desired positive effect is confirmed, the permanent generator is placed.

This is a new day for these patients. There are millions of patients who could potentially be helped with this new technology. Up until now ...

On Sunday, March 25, 2012, the Mercer Island Rotary Club will be hosting the 40th Annual Mercer Island Half Marathon. Children and adults of all ages participate and we anticipate more of the same this year. In addition to the half marathon race around the Island, there will also be a 10K Run, a 5K Run and Walk and a Kids’ Dash. So anyone can participate!

Swedish and the Swedish Cancer Institute are sponsors of this signature event. We are so excited to be part of this event again. One of the main purposes of the day is to raise awareness of colon cancer prevention.

In addition to the various runs and walks, you can still visit, have fun and maybe learn something new. You can also visit the “COLOSSAL COLON”! For the first time you get to walk through the colon and see what the inside looks like! Just don’t get lost in there. Don’t worry, it doesn’t smell!

This year will be particularly special as the 40th anniversary run. In honor of the anniversary, the Mercer Island Rotary Club has collected the “40 Faces of Colon Cancer”. This is a terrific idea. It’s a way to make colon cancer personal and real. Patients of all ages, races and backgrounds have agreed to share their personal stories and cancer experiences. Each story is unique as are the individuals with cancer. What they have in common is a passion to raise awareness of colon cancer and the need to get screened.

Colon cancer is unique among cancers in that nearly all can be prevented with appropriate screening.